"The leader is indeed able to win the battle from thousands of miles away. It is a great honor to be able to follow him. The two of us have rushed here from the heart of Hexi. Fortunately, we arrived not too late."

…

The next evening.

Just as Yin Yewang had predicted, Zhang Shicheng's army of 120,000 troops arrived at the gates of Xuzhou.

But what made Zhang Shicheng feel strange was that he could not see a single Mingjiao soldier guarding the city from the top of the city wall of Xuzhou.

Nie Qu on the side said: "Marshal, what does this mean? Why can't we see any defenders? Is this a conspiracy?"

Zhang Shicheng was also puzzled and said: "Could it be that the Xuzhou garrison commander wants to learn from Zhuge Liang and play an empty city plan with me, thinking that I dare not attack Xuzhou?"

Song Yiyong hurriedly said to Zhang Shicheng: "Marshal, no matter it is an empty city plan or not, we must take Xuzhou. Last time, it was me who lost Longping Prefecture. According to the law, I should be executed, but I am grateful for your mercy. I am willing to be the main attacking general. If we cannot take Xuzhou within two days, I will commit suicide to thank you for your kindness."

Zhang Shicheng nodded and said: "Then I'll have to trouble General Song. Chen Youliang is too powerful behind us now. If we can't take Xuzhou, we will be destroyed by him sooner or later."

…

Song Yiyong also knew that this battle had to be won, and it had to be won quickly, so he didn't care that it was getting late.

He first mobilized 20,000 troops to take charge of the main attack.

Song Yiyong drew the long sword from his waist and shouted to the 20,000 soldiers behind him: "Soldiers, things have come to this point. Xuzhou is right in front of you. If you take Xuzhou, we can eat meat and drink wine. If you can't take Xuzhou, we will all die without a burial place."

"Soldiers, follow me and kill."